Monday, September 21, 2015

They are Asteraceae and commonly called asters. These blossoms are the final feeding stations for bees and other pollinators at the very end of fall. These are the final delicate beauty as we say good bye to summer. With so many cultivars (180 species) it is difficult to tell the difference between the two major varieties/short and tall. Some of the short ones are taller and some of the tall ones are shorter! The names aster means "star" and when looking at the blossoms that are like daisies, one can understand. One site recommends pinching back 6 to 8 inches by mid-July to maintain good structure. I have not done this, but will probably need to in the future. My asters are perennials while some landscape places sell annuals. Some grow in shade, most in sun, some grow in marshes and others on dry plains, they range in height from nine inches to 6 feet! Something to please everyone. (They tend to emerge late in early summer, so don't pull them and think they are weeds.) Below are my asters that are blooming this month.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The backyard squirrels have discovered the pomegranate tree this year. The fruit, while beautiful in its waxy red glow, is very sour and not what we would miss. We grow the tree for the lovely flowers and pretty fruit and do not care that we cannot get any to eat. Here the chickadee rested one afternoon for a very short time, long enough for me to capture his perky beauty.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

The sun moves away looking at my hollow of the earth almost with a sideways glance as if trying to get out the door without being noticed, as if tiring of our conversation and eager to move on to other business, but not wanting to hurt my feelings. Its rays are more golden and appear warmer when in reality the kiss is a cooler farewell version of our ever evolving relationship. In reality its visits are shorter, the conversation simpler, and each parting in the evening more bittersweet. While glances thrown my way are far more romantic and golden, I know that its eye is ready to wander on and to have affairs with others. I do not own its passion and so I must let it go and wait patiently for its return in time.

Thursday, September 03, 2015

Tuesday, September 01, 2015

The end of summer finds us wondering how we crammed so much activity into such a few months. It was like we were stuck in 4th gear. Planting, nurturing, harvesting and then waiting to catch our breath before we sigh in peaceful glee pausing to see if fall is ready to toss us colored confetti as celebration of a summer well spent. Hanging in there.